Strict Lent. Orthodox Christians celebrate the Beheading of John the Baptist
Today, September 11, Orthodox believers, including those in Belarus, celebrate the Beheading of John the Baptist.
They recall the events of the martyrdom of the Forerunner of the Lord, which were described by the evangelists Matthew and Mark.
According to church tradition, in ancient times the cruel king Herod Antipas ordered the death of God's prophet.
He gave this order in connection with the fact that John the Baptist caught the secular ruler cohabiting with his brother’s wife, Herodias.
On the day of the bloody events, Herod threw a feast. Herodias' daughter Solomea danced before the guests.
Her performance was so well received that the king declared that she could ask for whatever she wanted.
Herodias, who harbored a grudge against the saint, advised her daughter to wish for the head of John the Baptist.
Her request was granted - the prophet was killed.
It is worth noting that on September 11, according to established tradition, Orthodox Christians observe a strict fast.
